Exotic Smithfield “tree house” a labour of love for Rob and Sandy Jackson

Rob and Sandy Jackson are living in a FNQ “tree house”. Rob lost his arm after he was electrocuted last year, but that didn’t stop him from continuing to renovate his beloved home. Picture: Marc McCormack

A SHOCKING injury did not deter Far North DIY guru Robert “Jacko” Jackson from pouring his heart and soul into a majestic tropical “tree house”.

Over the past decade Mr Jackson, 71, and his wife Sandy, 69, have devoted countless hours into bringing the best out of their four-bedroom home at 80 Stanton Rd.

A colossal outdoor deck is the centrepiece of this leafy Smithfield property which, set among tall trees, features views of the Cairns skyline.

“We spend all our time on the deck. It has a bar, so we seem to entertain a lot,” Mrs Jackson said.

A freshwater creek running through the property is one of many new additions made by the retirees in recent years.

“Some of our friends had these big rocks, and Jacko spent weeks travelling to their place, loading up the truck and coming home,” Mrs Jackson said. “I helped him unpack the rocks and now we have this amazing waterfall.”

Mrs Jackson said “Jacko”, who hails from Sydney, was a “diehard spearfisherman” and always loved the tropical lifestyle.

But the couple suffered a major setback in October last year when Mr Jackson lost his right forearm after coming into contact with powerlines.

“I’m lucky to still have him with me,” Mrs Jackson said.

But her husband, an experienced and meticulous DIY enthusiast, has continued to ensure his beloved home remains in perfect condition. “He also lost two fingers on his left hand … but he has managed to repaint every door frame in the house,” Mrs Jackson said.

“Nothing has stopped him, and I’m very proud, but the worst part is that he can’t spearfish anymore.”

Now, after a rewarding 10 years, the couple has decided to sell the home, which is listed by Cairns Property Office for offers in the low $900,000s.

While sad to be moving, Mrs Jackson said the accident had left them with little choice.

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